[Mg-t] TD Starter problem

[Bud Krueger]

Stu, I ran into a very similar condition when I first tried to fire up 
'the53' (http://www.ttalk.info/The53.htm).  The starter hadn't been 
asked to do its thing since 1972.  I ended up taking the started out and 
cleaning/lubricating the Bendix.  Hasn't missed a beat since then.
Bud

Stuart Keen wrote:
> I have always had an annoying starter problem with my TD (purchased 12 years
> ago), but now it is getting worse. Now, up to fifty percent of the time, the
> starter pinion gear does not properly engage the flywheel and in the
> attempt, I hear either a loud "clunking" or a whirling of the starter motor.
> At first I thought there might be an electrical problem, that the starter
> motor was not throwing outward the pinion gear far enough, that there was
> insufficient current (or dirt on the Bendix). So, battery was replaced
> yesterday (found one bad cell), cables were replaced, starter switch was
> replaced last week. Problem still existed. A new starter was also installed.
> No change. Nothing else in the electrical circuit to consider.
>
> This morning, while starting the TD by manually pushing in the plunger of
> the starter switch, I came to the conclusion it is a mechanical problem, not
> electrical, but I don't know how to fix. When the engine starts OK, the
> pinion gear engages the flywheel without a sound. When there is a problem,
> you can definitely hear a mismatch of gears; i.e. the clunking noise.
>
> So where is the adjustment for starter position? In addition to a new
> starter, the XPAG engine was recently professionally rebuilt by Glenn9s MG
> Repair in Tampa. The flywheel was inspected and there was no noticeable wear
> nor were there any teeth missing.
>
> The starter is physically mounted with two bolts. I see no means of any
> adjustment.
>
> I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem and what the fix might be.
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Stu Keen
> 1951 MG TD MKII
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